Bengals Report Card

Upon further review: Bengals 23, Steelers 20

Sep. 28, 2009

Written by

After reviewing the tape and extra camera angles provided by CBS' No. 1 team of Jim Nantz and Phil Simms, here are the grades from the Bengals' 23-20 win over Pittsburgh on Sunday:

Quarterback (C-plus)

Carson Palmer was 7 of 13 for 59 yards, including the 4-yard toss to Andre Caldwell. There are no doubts that he has been great on late drives, but there were plenty of low and off target passes during the first three quarters.

Running backs (B-minus)

After being bottled up in the first half, Cedric Benson had 58 of his 76 yards in the second half, including a 23-yard touchdown run on the left side. Also give credit to Brian Leonard for a huge first down catch on a Palmer dumpoff on the game-winning drive.

Wide receivers (B-minus)

Caldwell came up big again on a late drive while Laveranues Coles had a solid game (5 receptions, 34 yards) and had a couple of catches late. Chad Ochocinco had five catches for 54 yards but there were some plays where QB and receiver did not appear to be on the same page.

Offensive line (B)

Right guard Bobbie Williams and left tackle Andrew Whitworth opened up holes for Benson during the second half while center Kyle Cook and Williams had nice blocks on the game-winning pass by Palmer.

Defensive line (B-minus)

For as bad as the first quarter was, they rebounded. Pat Sims and Robert Geathers teamed up to sack Ben Roethlisberger in the fourth. Geathers (seven tackles) and Domata Peko (five tackles) also had good games.

Linebackers (B-minus)

Keith Rivers led the Bengals in tackles with eight while Rey Maualuga had five stops (including one for a loss) and re-entered the game after apparently injured his game in the third quarter.

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Secondary (B-minus)

Johnathan Joseph returned an interception for a TD against Roethlisberger in the third quarter, but there were also a fair share of breakdowns. Chris Crocker struggled in the first half but played better in the second.

Special teams (C)

An inconsistent day from Kevin Huber along with another bad snap by Brad St. Louis, his second in three games, on an extra-point attempt. Caldwell had a return into Pittsburgh territory on the opening kickoff, but they struggled on two returns.

Coaching (B)

Even with the Bengals trailing 13-0, the coaching staff remained calm and reminded the team that they were able to almost pull out the game against Denver despite lousy play the first 54 minutes. Also give credit to offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski and defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer for some key halftime adjustments.